Could Sidney Crosby’s Contenders Pursue Ovechkin This Offseason?

Analysis: Could Sidney Crosby's Contenders Pursue Ovechkin This Offseason?

One of the most central dialogue points in the NHL this off-season is the future of Alex Ovechkin and whether any of his potential suitors could realistically afford his high demands. Given Ovechkin's legendary status and outstanding on-ice performance, many teams are eager to court him, with Sidney Crosby's Chicago Blackhawks in particular drawing significant interest. However, the challenge remains whether the Pittsburgh Penguins, one of Crosby's primary rivals, could fit Ovechkin into their plans. Let's explore the feasibility:

The Penguins' Current Situation

The Pittsburgh Penguins currently find themselves in a challenging salary cap situation. Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang, key members of their organization, all carry substantial cap hits:

Sidney Crosby: $8.7 million per year Evgeni Malkin: $9.5 million per year Kris Letang: $7.25 million per year

Together, these three players take up approximately 31 million out of the total available cap space. If Ovechkin seeks a deal as high as $12.5 million per year, the Penguins would have to make significant financial adjustments or risk overwhelming their budget. Even if he demands a shorter-term deal, say $7-8 million for 2 years, this still represents a considerable strain.

The Penguins' Offseason Plans

The Penguins are entering a period of strategic realignment. Upon the departure of general manager Jim Rutherford, Ron Hextall has taken the helm, focusing on rejuvenating the team's younger core. Ovechkin, already 36, would face significant age disparity with the current roster, which includes players in their late 20s and 30s:

Evgeni Malkin: 34 Sidney Crosby: 33 Kris Letang: 31

The team’s vision is to extend a middle path, neither fully rebuilding nor maintaining the status quo. Instead, they are focusing on clearing problematic contracts and acquiring younger talent. This approach aligns with Hextall’s strategic direction and contradicts the notion of bringing in a high-priced, short-term rental.

The Considerations for Adding Ovechkin

Adding Ovechkin would necessitate significant changes to the Penguins' roster and salary cap:

Financial Consequences: Ovechkin's salary demands would essentially consume a substantial portion of the Penguins' cap space, leaving little room for other acquisitions that could complement their existing depth. Team Dynamics: The animosity between Ovechkin and many current Penguins players, especially Jordan Staal, could affect team chemistry and dynamics, leading to potential conflicts. Strategic Allignment: Ovechkin's high salary and short-term potential do not align with the Penguins' strategic vision of fostering internal development and incorporating younger talent.

While the allure of adding a point-per-game scorer like Ovechkin is undeniable, the practicalities and long-term implications for the Penguins dictate that such a move is unsustainable within their current financial and strategic framework.

Conclusion: Given the Penguins' salary cap constraints, the need for strategic realignment, and the focus on internal talent development, it is highly unlikely that they would seriously entertain pursuing Ovechkin in the coming off-season. Their focus remains on building a balanced and sustainable team that can thrive in the long term.